Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

[SeaKaye12]

Well; I spent my Friday evening at the Walmart Tire Center. They managed to bend my trailer wheel (badly!) when attempting to dismount my old F-78-14 tires.<br /><br />What to do now?<br /><br />The trailer is a 1977. I don't know how to "fit" rims to it. They look like auto wheels...five bolt pattern. <br /><br />I'd like to get used wheels...but how? A wrecking yard is going to want the "car's" make and model. <br /><br />Does anyone know what differences there might be between one trailer wheel and another? Any suggestions?<br /><br />I get to talk to the Walmart mgr. today...but I doubt that they're apt to be much help...neither financially or even advise wise... It's best not to blindly trust his remedy...whatever it may be.<br /><br />I still can't believe that their guy managed to bend that wheel. He was having difficulty removing the old tire...and he asked for the help of one of his buddies there to lean on the pri-bar with him...I guess that must have done it :{<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

Well, I found out some information looking on e-bay.<br />

<br /><br />It seems that I have a "4.5" bolt circle" because the distance between my lugs is 2 5/8".<br /><br />Interesting that so many of the wheels advertised don't mention this spec.<br /><br />You do see tires/wheels for sale on e-bay because they didn't fit the trailer the guy was buying them for though...buyer beware...<br /><br />I'm posting this in an effort to perhaps help others here.

 

[monoshock]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

Any tire center, including those at discount stores like WalMart also sell trailer wheels. If Walmart screwed up the wheel they should replace it. Besides, their trailer wheel will be cheaper than a replacement auto wheel (unless they buy a used on from a salvage yard). With that in mind, let them do the running -- they did the damage.

 

[BillP]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

People don't how common it is for tire changers to bend wheels. I check my wheels everytime tires are changed. Anyway, I'm sure Wally will pay for a new one. But listen here in case you get in a jamb with a bent wheel. I was out of town once and had tires put on a boat trailer. They bent one wheel and we beat it back straight. It's fairly easy to do when using their machines to rotate the wheel on. Just keep pounding until it turns true.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

That's a very standard bolt pattern and size. You (or WalMart) can bring the bent wheel to any Discount Tire, Tire Barn, Sears, or similar place. They'll sell a brand new one to match the old one for between $35 and $60. Generally you get a choice between white, black, or chrome. They're readily available and usually in stock. WalMart tire center can likely order the replacement wheel just as easily.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

salt water or fresh?<br />if salt you want galvanized for sure, they are not that expensive and I think you could get Wally World to pay for a new one. Many use the Ford/Chrysler pattern.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

Trailer hubs,........... Come in 2 standard Sizes,.........<br /><br />4 bolts on 4" Circle,......<br />And,.....<br />5 bolts on 4 1/2" circle,.......<br /><br />Of course there's 6 bolt,+ 8 bolt for the Heavy axles......

 

[djvan]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

Try ford ranger wheels, backspacing might be a problem though. 2wd are 14" 4wd are 15". Also ford granada and some mustangs are that pattern and may be have a different backspacing.<br /><br />HTH's <br /><br />DougV>

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

Hmmm....after a day at work it's a pleasure to come home and see all these great replies! Thanks to all!<br /><br />I did stop by a tire place today and sure enough...he took one look at my wheel (the remaining straight one...) he put his gadget on it and said:<br /><br />"Five on Four and a half"...<br /><br />Sure nice to talk to someone who knows his stuff. He also mentioned Ford Ranger and also Toyota pick-ups as two vehicles that match mine...<br /><br />Now the next question...what is Back-Spacing and how do I measure to know if it's a problem?<br /><br />Thanks a lot folks...Chuck<br /><br />PS....no call back from "Wally" yet....maybe on Monday

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

Park your boat trailer in front of Wal-Mart's overhead door Sunday evening, with only one wheel on it. Stick a note on it explaining that the tech who bent the wheel had asked you to drop it off to ensure they had the proper size. Intruct them to call you when they have replaced the wheel. Explain how loyal you are to Wal-Mart and how unfortunate it was that you had to cancel your fishing trip this weekend with your kids, etc...<br /><br />

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

I wouldn't leave a trailer parked in front of WalMart on a bad bet!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

All you ever wanted to know about measuring wheels:<br /> http://www.rsracing.com/tech-wheel.html <br /><br /><br />More:<br /><br /> http://www.trailerplans.com/wheel_offset.htm

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

Wow Roscoe, that is **MORE** than I ever wanted to know...Thanks!<br /><br />I find it interesting that each and every time that this boat/motor/trailer restoration that I got myself involved in brings me to yet another "problem"......I rally by realizing how much I'm learning...on such a variety of topics!<br /><br />Sure beats sitting home watching TV!<br /><br />As for you AMD...I could actually see myself doing that tomorrow morning! Unfortunately (or fortunately...depending on your point of view...) the Wallymart guy effectively took my **second** wheel out of active duty also...by removing the valve stem from both at the beginning of his work...<br /><br />Lucky me <br /><br />Thanks again, Chuck

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

Originally posted by Old Curmudgeon:<br /> I wouldn't leave a trailer parked in front of WalMart on a bad bet!

Its hard NOT to park in front of WalMart.....seems they build a new one on every block. <br /><br />Good luck on your quest Chuck.

 

[gss036]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

I would not even both w/the tire department, just ask to see the store manager and explain to the manager the demise and I would think he would fix things up for you. That is why they have managers.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Walmart messed up Wheel...What would you do?

I would expect Walmart to take care of it at no cost to you.<br /><br />If you want to buy a new wheel, go to a trailer shop, RV shop, or marine center. New ones are about $30.00.